Charlotte Magazine – August 2019

102 CHARLOTTEMAGAZINE.COM // JULY 2019

THE GUIDE

TOSCANA
ITALIAN
An authentic northern Italian menu is paired with an
extensive wine list, while courtyard dining adds to the
experience on a nice night. 6401 Morrison Blvd., Ste. 6B.
(704-367-1808) (weekdays) $$$

UPSTREAM
SEAFOOD
The 20-year-old SouthPark mainstay is known for
high-dollar seafood dishes, but Executive Chef Sam Di-
minich's new sushi menu adds some Paci“c Rim •avors
to the mix. 6902 Phillips Place Ct. (704-556-7730)
$$$$

âYAFO KITCHEN
MEDITERRANEAN
This fast-casual concept from Frank Scibelli serves
bright, fresh •avors in minutes. Israel-born executive
chef Shai Fargian adds authenticity. 720 Governor Mor-
rison St., Ste. 120. (704-365-7130) $$

âYAMA ASIAN^ FUSION^
FUSION
This upscale Japanese restaurant has sushi, hibachi, and
Asian-inspired entrées. A second location opened in
Waverly last year. 720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 130.
(704-295-0905) $$

University Area

AMALFI PASTA ’N PIZZA
ITALIAN
The only other places where Italian food is this real, this
good, and this cheap are called trattorias, and you have
to take a plane to get to them. 8542 University City Blvd.
(704-547-8651) $$

FIREWATER
AMERICAN
The food here is primarily American bistro-style, but the
owner’s family tuna business makes apps like the tuna
tartare standouts. 8708 J. W. Clay Blvd. (704-549-0050)
(weekdays) $$-$$$

ZAPATA’S CANTINA
MEXICAN
Expect typical Mexican fare in a high-energy dining
room. 8927 J.M. Keynes Dr., in University Place shopping
center. (704-503-1979) $$

Uptown

204 NORTH
NEW SOUTHERN
This uptown spot with modern Southern food is best
for cocktails and conversation at the bar. 204 N. Tryon St.
(704-333-3747) $$$

â5CHURCH

NEW AMERICAN

Executive chef Whitney Thomas's innovative, seasonal

menu includes yellow“n tuna sushi tots and mint crust-

ed lamb loin. 127 N. Tryon St., Ste. 8. (704-919-1322)

$$-$$$

âALEXANDER MICHAEL’S

AMERICAN

The blackened cat“sh is cooked just right, the Cajun pas-

ta is piping hot, pints of beer •ow at the bar, and light-

hearted chatter “lls the no-reservations dining room.

401 W. 9th St. (704-332-6789) $$^ - $$$

ANGELINE'S

ITALIAN

The Italian-inspired entreés at this uptown spot are all

excellent, and the whipped ricotta with sourdough, lav-

ender honey, and pistachio is the most imaginative ap-

petizer on the menu. 303 S. Church St. (704-445-2540)

$$$

ARIA TUSCAN GRILL

ITALIAN

This restaurant serves up an extensive Italian menu in an

elegant, modern space. 100 N. Tryon St. (704-376-8880)

(weekdays) $$$

âTHE ASBURY

NEW SOUTHERN

The inventive menu here mixes countryside favorites

like biscuits and deviled eggs with bold •avors and con-

temporary techniques. 235 N. Tryon St. (704-342-1193)

$$$

BASIL THAI

THAI

Thai lovers can sate their cravings with tasty pad Thai,

while the more daring can try dishes like the crispy red

curry duck, a rich, deep-fried half duck in a spicy red

curry sauce. 210 N. Church St. (704-332-7212)

$$-$$$

CAPITAL GRILLE

STEAK HOUSE

A classic steak house, complete with a large bar for sip-

ping martinis and a dining room that exudes power.

201 N. Tryon St. (704-348-1400) (weekdays)

$$$$

THE CELLAR AT DUCKWORTH’S

NEW AMERICAN

The focus here is on small plates, cra£ beer served in

its proper glassware at proper temperature, and cra£

cocktails. 330 N. Tryon St. (980-349-4078)

$$-$$$

COCO + THE DIRECTOR

AMERICAN

Marriott introduced this co¤ee and sandwich shop for

locals and hotel guests alike to have a comfortable, ca-

sual dining option. 100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6003)

$

COWBELL BURGER  BAR

AMERICAN

This sister restaurant to Mortimer’s and Le-

roy Fox has a trendy, pop culture vibe—and

a roster of fancy burgers (including a foie

gras-topped o¤ering for $20). 201 N. Tryon

St., Ste. 1010. (980-224-8674) $$

DANDELION MARKET

NEW AMERICAN

On weekends, this Irish pub turns into one of

uptown’s hottest nightlife spots. But during

the day, come for a cozy meal with •icker-

ing candles and shared plates. 118 W. 5th St.

(704-333-7989) $$-$$$

ESSEX BAR  BISTRO

GLOBAL

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean in•uenc-

es run through this menu. Order a few tapas

and a bottle of wine, head out to the patio,

and watch the activity at Trade and Tryon.

101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 14. (980-406-3857)

$$-$$$

âEVOKE

STEAK HOUSE

In this modern space o¤ the lobby of Le

Méridien, the beautifully seared steaks and

seafood crudos are among the must-try

menu items. 555 S. McDowell St. (980-237-

5354) $$$-$$$$

FAHRENHEIT

NEW AMERICAN

Located on the 21st •oor of Skye Condos,

chef Rocco Whalen’s restaurant has become

the place in Charlotte to eat a meal and see

the city twinkle. 222 S. Caldwell St. (980-237-

6718) $$$-$$$$

FIN  FINO

SEAFOOD

Come for the raw bar, but stay for bartender

Brittany Kellum's drinks. Fin & Fino's upscale

dishes are complemented by its lively dining

room. 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste.

100. (704-800-5680) $$$

âHALCYON, FLAVORS^

FROM THE EARTH

NEW SOUTHERN

With gorgeous views from the Mint Mu-

seum Uptown and a sophisticated interior,

this restaurant with a local menu is popular

for lunches and pre-theater dinners. 500 S.

Tryon St. (704-910-0865)

$$$

HAYMAKER

NEW SOUTHERN

In a bright, stylish space next to Romare

Bearden Park, Haymaker o¤ers locally and Charlotte

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